I came expecting quiet forests and rolling pastures in Ocala, but what I found was a town filled with untamed beauty and soulful places that ask you to slow down and look closer. There’s a rawness here—not rough, but real. From moss-draped oak trees to mineral springs so clear they seem unreal, Ocala lives in the in-between: part Southern, part wild Florida, and entirely its own. As I wandered trails, walked museum halls, and stood beside thundering horses, I kept thinking, “There’s more life here than most places twice its size.”
Best Things to Do in Ocala, FL
Getting lost in the wild peace of
There was something grounding about stepping into Ocala National Forest. Maybe it was the sheer scale—over 600 square miles of pine scrub, springs, and quiet—but I felt my shoulders drop the moment I got out of the car. I spent the day hiking shaded trails near Salt Springs and dipping my feet into cool, impossibly clear water. Dragonflies hovered nearby, and the only sound was the breeze through the longleaf pines. At one point, sitting on a mossy log looking out at Juniper Run, I thought, “This is what it means to breathe again.”
There’s a wildness to the forest that isn’t intimidating—it’s healing. Whether you’re hiking, kayaking, or just being still under the canopy, the forest meets you where you are and gives you exactly what you didn’t know you needed.
After my hike, I stopped at Square Meal Kitchen in nearby Silver Springs. I ordered the chicken salad sandwich on toasted sourdough with a side of house-made potato chips. Sitting outside on the shaded porch, my legs pleasantly tired and my appetite earned, I remember thinking, “This might be the perfect kind of tired.”
Ocala National Forest At a Glance
- Location: North and east of Ocala; main access via FL-40
- Vibe: Untamed, restorative, expansive
- Activities: Hiking, springs, kayaking, wildlife viewing, camping
- Best Time to Visit: Fall to spring for cooler temperatures
- Cost: $6–$10 for day use at spring areas
- Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk (spring parks may vary)
- Tip: Don’t miss Juniper Springs—it’s one of the most beautiful swimming spots in Florida
Finding stillness at the Appleton Museum
There’s something quietly powerful about walking into the Appleton Museum of Art. Maybe it’s the cool hush of the marble atrium or the way the galleries wrap around like a gentle maze, but I felt my breath slow as soon as I stepped inside. I moved through collections of European paintings, African masks, and contemporary Florida artists—each room unfolding like a new conversation. At one point, standing before a painting of a stormy coastline, I thought, "Art knows how to say what we can’t."
The museum was bigger than I expected—intimate but expansive—and after a few hours of wandering, I realized how deeply it had worked its way into me. I felt inspired, but also… hungry.
Just a few minutes down the road, I found Symmetry Coffee & Crêpes, a local café with soft music and the smell of espresso hanging in the air. I ordered a savory spinach and feta crêpe and a lavender latte. Sitting by the window with art still on my mind and warm food in front of me, it felt like the perfect extension of the museum—only this time, the canvas was my plate.
Appleton Museum of Art At a Glance
- Location: 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala, FL 34470
- Vibe: Peaceful, elegant, introspective
- Collections: European, contemporary American, African, Asian, and decorative arts
- Best Time to Visit: Late morning for quiet galleries and good natural light
- Cost: ~$10 adults; discounts for students and seniors
- Hours: Tuesday–Saturday 10am–5pm; Sunday 12pm–5pm (closed Mondays)
- Tip: Don't miss the outdoor sculptures and the visiting exhibitions—they’re often the highlight
Racing through memory at the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing
I didn’t think I’d be moved by drag racing history—but then I walked into the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing and found myself completely pulled in. The museum hums with horsepower, yes—but also with pride, legacy, and invention. Car after car lined the halls like sculptures with stories. I wandered through decades of innovation, from record-breaking Top Fuel dragsters to gleaming classic muscle cars, and at one point I thought, “These aren’t just machines—they’re milestones.”
There’s a reverence here that caught me off guard. Whether or not you're a gearhead, the museum offers a deep appreciation for what it takes to build something bold—and to chase speed with your whole heart.
After a few hours, I realized the roar of engines had made me hungry. Luckily, just a short drive away, I found Darrell’s Dog Gone Good Diner, a down-home spot that hit the post-museum craving perfectly. I ordered the patty melt with fries and a sweet tea, and the moment I sat down in the vinyl booth, I felt like I’d landed in a scene straight out of a road movie. Satisfying, unfussy, and exactly what I needed after a high-octane morning.
Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing At a Glance
- Location: 13700 SW 16th Ave, Ocala, FL 34473
- Vibe: Nostalgic, high-energy, surprising
- Collections: Over 90 race cars, drag racing memorabilia, antique cars and motorcycles
- Best Time to Visit: Midday for open space and smaller crowds
- Cost: ~$20 adults, discounts for seniors and veterans
- Hours: Daily, 9am–5pm
- Tip: Don’t skip the back building—it houses some of the most fascinating vintage cars
Standing still with giants at Gypsy Gold Horse Farm
I didn’t expect to feel emotional walking among horses—but then again, I hadn’t met the ones at Gypsy Gold Horse Farm. The moment I saw them—majestic, feather-footed Gypsy Vanner horses with kind eyes and flowing manes—I felt something shift in me. The farm tour was personal and passionate, filled with stories of heritage and heart. I leaned against a fence post, watching one of the horses graze just feet away, thinking, “This is what grace looks like.”
What struck me most wasn’t just their beauty—it was the connection. The owners spoke of the horses like family, and as I walked the pastures, I understood why. Everything slowed down out there. The rhythm of hooves, the sway of moss in the oaks—it all felt like a gentle reminder to stay present.
By the time I left, I was both full of emotion and, honestly, starving. A few minutes away in downtown Ocala, I found The White Elephant, a cozy café tucked into a quiet side street. I ordered the roasted veggie sandwich with goat cheese on ciabatta, plus an iced chai to cool down. I sat at a small outdoor table under a string of lights and let the whole morning settle in. Stillness, followed by nourishment. It was perfect.
Gypsy Gold Horse Farm At a Glance
- Location: 12501 SW 8th Ave, Ocala, FL 34473
- Vibe: Gentle, soulful, story-rich
- Features: Guided tours, Gypsy Vanner horses, historic oak pastures
- Best Time to Visit: Morning tours (reservations recommended)
- Cost: ~$40 for guided tour; kids under 5 free
- Hours: Tour days vary—typically Wednesday and Saturday mornings
- Tip: Wear closed-toe shoes and bring tissues—you might feel more than you expect
Wandering deeper into the wild at Juniper Prairie Wilderness
The hike into Juniper Prairie Wilderness didn’t feel like an escape—it felt like a return. Sand pine trails stretched ahead like invitations, and the further I walked, the quieter the world became. No traffic, no hum of human noise—just the sound of my boots against earth and the wind brushing through scrub. The light here felt cleaner, the sky bigger. At one point, beside a clearing dotted with saw palmettos, I paused and thought, “This is the kind of silence that heals something you didn’t know was broken.”
I spent hours exploring, listening for birds, spotting deer tracks, and letting the space recalibrate me. There’s no rush in Juniper Prairie. It invites you to get lost—and then find yourself again with every step.
After that long and sun-drenched hike, I was more than ready to eat. Just west of the forest, I found Big Hammock Brewery & Bites in Dunnellon—a casual spot with comfort food and cold drinks. I had their pulled pork grilled cheese with a local cider, and sat out on the patio under the shade of a big umbrella. Every bite felt earned, like my body had caught up to my spirit. It was the perfect kind of tired—and the perfect way to refuel.
Juniper Prairie Wilderness At a Glance
- Location: Off State Road 40, inside Ocala National Forest
- Vibe: Remote, wild, reflective
- Activities: Hiking, birding, primitive camping, solitude
- Best Time to Visit: October to April for cooler, bug-free hikes
- Cost: Free (with optional $5–$10 forest day use fee depending on entry point)
- Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk
- Tip: Bring plenty of water and a paper map—cell signal is unreliable
Pedaling through peace on the Belleview-Santos Trail
I didn’t expect to fall in love with a bike trail...but the Belleview-Santos Trail had other plans. From the moment I started pedaling, the canopy closed gently overhead and the path stretched ahead like a quiet promise. Whether I was cruising through tall pines or pausing at sunlit clearings, I felt held by the rhythm of the ride. There weren’t crowds, just the occasional passing cyclist and the hum of my wheels on the pavement. About halfway in, I stopped, took a deep breath, and thought, "Why don’t I do this more often?"
The trail is simple, but in the best way—clear, clean, and designed for those who need space to think while moving. I rode longer than I planned, just because it felt that good.
Afterward, hungry and happy, I stopped at The Mojo Grill & Catering Company in Belleview. I ordered their mojo pork tacos with sweet plantains and an iced tea. Sitting at a picnic table with trail dust still on my shoes and salsa on my fingers, it felt like the perfect Florida moment: full of flavor, sunshine, and motion slowing down.
Belleview-Santos Trail At a Glance
- Location: 2201 SE 95th St, Ocala, FL 34480
- Vibe: Easygoing, shaded, meditative
- Activities: Paved and unpaved cycling, walking, nature watching
- Best Time to Visit: Morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat
- Cost: Free
- Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk
- Tip: Bring your own bike or rent one nearby in Ocala; there are multiple loops for different skill levels
Letting go at the Gardens at Sholom Park
The Gardens at Sholom Park doesn’t ask much of you—just that you slow down. I walked through its winding paths with no agenda, letting the stillness do its quiet work. The garden is immaculately kept, yet nothing about it feels forced. Butterflies flitted over wildflowers, the koi swam slow circles in their pond, and a soft breeze nudged the wind chimes in the meditation area. I sat on a shaded bench beneath a sprawling live oak and thought, “This is peace made visible.”
It wasn’t about doing anything. It was about being present. The longer I stayed, the more I noticed—tiny bees on basil, the arc of a heron overhead, the way light dappled across the stone walkways. It felt like a place that holds you without needing to speak.
Afterward, I drove just a few minutes down the road to Bagelicious & More, a local spot that somehow matched the gentle tone of the morning. I had the smoked salmon bagel with capers and cream cheese, and a cup of fresh coffee. Sitting in a booth by the window, with garden air still clinging to my skin, I felt full in every sense of the word.
Gardens at Sholom Park At a Glance
- Location: 7110 SW 80th Ave, Ocala, FL 34481
- Vibe: Tranquil, restorative, nature-focused
- Highlights: Meditation areas, koi pond, native plants, butterfly garden
- Best Time to Visit: Morning or golden hour for soft light and cool temps
- Cost: Free (donations welcome)
- Hours: Daily, 8am–7pm
- Tip: No pets or loud music—this space is designed for quiet reflection
Where I Stayed in Ocala
After days filled with nature, art, and good food, where I laid my head each night mattered more than I expected. I tried two different stays while in Ocala—one that felt like a treat, and one that felt like home.
Upscale: Hilton Ocala
My first few nights were spent at the Hilton Ocala, a polished and peaceful property surrounded by live oaks and pastures. My room had sweeping views of green space, and after long days outdoors, sinking into the plush bedding with a glass of wine felt like a reward. The on-site restaurant, Market Kitchen & Bar, served a surprisingly delicious short rib with roasted vegetables that left me skipping dessert just to sit longer with the flavor. I remember thinking, “This feels like a getaway within a getaway.”
Budget: Shamrock Cove Inn
Later in the trip, I switched to Shamrock Cove Inn—a cheerful, budget-friendly motel right in downtown Ocala. From the moment I checked in, it felt personal. The owners had decorated each room with charm and color, and I loved how I could walk to nearby shops and restaurants within minutes. It was simple but full of heart. After a sunset walk around the historic district, I sat outside on the patio with takeout and thought, “This is the kind of place you remember not for the luxury—but for how it made you feel welcome.”
Leaving Ocala, but taking something with me
As I packed up and started the drive out of Ocala, I realized I wasn’t just leaving a destination—I was leaving a slower, quieter version of myself I hadn’t met in a while. This town isn’t flashy or rushed. It’s thoughtful. It’s built on natural beauty, soulful stories, and places that give you room to breathe. Whether I was watching horses move like poetry, pedaling through pine shade, or sitting still beside koi ponds, Ocala gave me permission to go gently.
I came for the forests. I stayed for the feeling that every corner held a kind of grace—something soft, grounding, and unexpectedly human. And somewhere between the museums and the trails, I remember thinking, “I could come back here just to remember who I am when life slows down.”
Jump to a Spot...
- • Getting lost in the wild peace of
- • Finding stillness at the Appleton Museum
- • Racing through memory at the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing
- • Standing still with giants at Gypsy Gold Horse Farm
- • Wandering deeper into the wild at Juniper Prairie Wilderness
- • Pedaling through peace on the Belleview-Santos Trail
- • Letting go at the Gardens at Sholom Park